Improving Lap Times
Test Times Looking Up for SAUBER
Improving Lap Times
By Jamie Makin
February 9 2005
Team SAUBER PETRONAS completed another successful test at Jerez today. Both drivers improved their lap times, extinguishing fears of a fatal flaw in the C24 chassis.
Improving Lap Times
February 9 2005
Team SAUBER PETRONAS completed another successful test at Jerez today. Both drivers improved their lap times, extinguishing fears of a fatal flaw in the C24 chassis.
Brazilian Felipe Massa was one-tenth of a second quicker than yesterday's best time. "Today we worked with Felipe on further improvements of the car's set-up, and also ran Michelin tyre and brake tests," said Chief Race Engineer, Jacky Eeckelaert. Massa's time may have improved, but today he only ranked third among the sixteen drivers testing. Nevertheless, it is still encouraging to see the SAUBER running at the same pace as top teams like McLaren, Williams and Renault.
Meanwhile, Jacques Villeneuve continued to adapt the C24's setup to his liking and tested new components instead of going after fast times. "With Jacques we focused on brake evaluations and compared different dampers," explained Eeckelaert. The French-Canadian must still be pleased with the fact that he went almost three seconds quicker than yesterday's best.
The team will conclude their Jerez test tomorrow with both drivers in action. "For tomorrow we have scheduled for both drivers to work with Michelin on a tyre programme for Melbourne," said Eeckelaert. "Overall I'm quite happy with the performances today and the reliability of the C24." Things are indeed looking good for the Swiss team as the new season draws near.
For full 2005 pre-season test results click here.
Meanwhile, Jacques Villeneuve continued to adapt the C24's setup to his liking and tested new components instead of going after fast times. "With Jacques we focused on brake evaluations and compared different dampers," explained Eeckelaert. The French-Canadian must still be pleased with the fact that he went almost three seconds quicker than yesterday's best.
The team will conclude their Jerez test tomorrow with both drivers in action. "For tomorrow we have scheduled for both drivers to work with Michelin on a tyre programme for Melbourne," said Eeckelaert. "Overall I'm quite happy with the performances today and the reliability of the C24." Things are indeed looking good for the Swiss team as the new season draws near.
| P | Driver | Team | Engine | Car | Tyre | Best Lap | Gap |
| 1 | Montoya | McLaren | Mercedes | MP4/20 | M | 1:16.774 | -:--.--- |
| 2 | Heidfeld | Williams | BMW | FW27 | M | 1:17.345 | 0.571 |
| 3 | Massa | SAUBER | PETRONAS | C24 | M | 1:17.399 | 0.625 |
| 4 | Barrichello | Ferrari | Ferrari | F2004M | B | 1:17.433 | 0.659 |
| 5 | Fisichella | Renault | Renault | R25 | M | 1:17.505 | 0.731 |
| 6 | Klien | Red Bull | Cosworth | RB1 | M | 1:17.571 | 0.797 |
| 7 | Alonso | Renault | Renault | R25 | M | 1:17.6 | 0.826 |
| 8 | Zonta | Toyota | Toyota | TF105 | M | 1:17.687 | 0.913 |
| 9 | Coulthard | Red Bull | Cosworth | RB1 | M | 1:17.911 | 1.137 |
| 10 | Webber | Williams | BMW | FW27 | M | 1:17.913 | 1.139 |
| 11 | de la Rosa | McLaren | Mercedes | MP4/20 | M | 1:17.959 | 1.185 |
| 12 | Davidson | BAR | Honda | BAR007 | M | 1:18.238 | 1.464 |
| 13 | Villeneuve | SAUBER | PETRONAS | C24 | M | 1:18.598 | 1.824 |
| 14 | Badoer | Ferrari | Ferrari | F2004M | B | 1:18.616 | 1.842 |
| 15 | Trulli | Toyota | Toyota | TF105 | M | 1:19.022 | 2.248 |
| 16 | Sato | BAR | Honda | BAR007 | M | 1:20.05 | 3.276 |
For full 2005 pre-season test results click here.
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